The Last of Us Season 2 is shaping up to be even bigger than Season 1 in every aspect, including character arcs. While the storylines of returning characters like Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) will take dramatic turns, new characters will also be introduced, forming intriguing relationships with the leading duo—one of whom is played by Catherine O’Hara.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, O’Hara opened up about her character in The Last of Us Season 2 and her dynamic with Joel. Here’s what she had to say:
“I have an odd relationship with Pedro’s character. You don’t quite know why she’s got…well, she’s got this edge to her, but it makes for some weird, good dark comedy, I think. So it’s there. I never want to deny the gift of humour.”
The Home Alone fame also teased that the forthcoming sophomore season would be more “intense” than the debut season.
“It’s so intense, and the second [season] is way more intense if you know the game. I just love working with Pedro Pascal. Both of them. Bella. Wow. Was that intimating? It always is. It’s not my territory…. You’re just like, thank you for inviting me and I’ll try to be a good guest. But they were very kind to me and it was great.”
Based on the promotional clips for Season 2, O’Hara appears to play a therapist-like character, seen conducting therapy sessions with Joel as he grapples with the trauma he endured in Season 1.
In the first season, Joel slaughtered the Fireflies in the hospital just to save Ellie, who is immune to Cordyceps. While he rescued his daughter-like figure from danger, he may have also doomed all of humanity.
Ellie’s sacrifice could have saved humankind from Cordyceps, but it would have shattered Joel completely. This moral dilemma will likely weigh heavily on him in Season 2—perhaps explaining why he turns to therapy with O’Hara’s character.
O’Hara’s role and her therapy sessions with Joel could provide deeper insights into his inner struggles. These scenes might also come with lighter moments, offering a contrast to the show’s typically bleak and tragic tone.
Compared to other new characters, such as Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby and Isabela Merced’s Dina, Catherine O’Hara’s character may not have as significant an impact. However, she could also emerge as a hidden ace in the season, playing a pivotal role in the storyline. Let’s see what happens! Stay tuned for more updates.
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